Following free agency, what are now the Indianapolis Colts’ biggest positions of need as we turn our focus to the NFL draft?
After heavily addressing the secondary in free agency, what are now the Indianapolis Colts’ biggest positions of need as we turn our focus to the NFL draft?
Dan Parr of NFL.com recently listed the top five needs for each NFL team, taking into account the additions made via free agency. Here are the positions Parr selected for the Colts:
- Tight end
- Offensive line
- Linebacker
- Edge
- Running back
It’s hard to argue with this list and the order. Tight end was a top need heading into free agency and still remains unaddressed–although that shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that it was a down free-agent class at the position, while the draft has a lot of talent there.
I do appreciate that Parr has the offensive line listed near the top as well. Sure, the Colts probably have their starting five on the roster already, but there are some unknowns when it comes to having Matt Goncalves move from tackle to right guard. In addition to that, interior depth is still a need, as is finding a reliable swing tackle.
At linebacker, along with depth, a starter next to Zaire Franklin is needed. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can be that player, but it shouldn’t be assumed either, and adding competition is a must.
At defensive end, there is a lot of production that has to be replaced with Dayo Odeyingbo in Chicago. He led the Colts in quarterback pressures last season. The good news is that Samson Ebukam will return, but coming off an Achilles injury, banking on him regaining his past form right away comes with risks.
Lastly, the running back class is arguably the deepest position in this year’s class, so adding one of those prospects to the roster would be the prudent move. Khalil Herbert helps bolster the backup running back position, but in no way should that stop GM Chris Ballard from making an addition either.
If I were the one putting this list together, I would have found a way to put defensive tackle in the top five and squeezed running back out. As mentioned, adding to the running back position should be on the Colts’ radar, but bolstering the depth behind Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner is a bigger priority in my eyes.
